English

Noun

contrapposto ‎(plural contrapposto or contrapposti)

1. (art) The position of a figure whose hips and legs are twisted away from the direction of the head and shoulders. [from 20th c.]
   • 1990, Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae:

     The contrapposto flexes one buttock and relaxes the other.

Italian

Etymology

contra- +‎ posto

Verb

contrapposto m ‎(feminine singular contrapposta, masculine plural contrapposti, feminine plural contrapposte)

1. past participle of contrapporre
2. past participle of contrapporsi

Adjective

contrapposto m ‎(feminine singular contrapposta, masculine plural contrapposti, feminine plural contrapposte)

1. contrasting
2. opposing, opposed